In a historic moment for the National Basketball Association, Los Angeles Clippers superstar James Harden has officially climbed past one of the game's most dominant legends. The veteran guard has now secured the ninth spot on the prestigious NBA all-time scoring list, overtaking the iconic big man, Shaquille O'Neal.
A Three-Pointer for the History Books
The milestone moment arrived during a regular-season clash on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 (Philippine time). In the third quarter of the Clippers' game against the Charlotte Hornets, Harden sank a crucial three-pointer. That basket was more than just points on the board; it propelled his career total to 28,598 points, edging him past O'Neal's legendary mark.
The Hall of Fame center, Shaquille O'Neal, amassed 28,596 points over the course of his illustrious 19-year career, a record that has now been surpassed. Harden's achievement came in a winning effort, as the Clippers went on to defeat the Hornets with a final score of 117-109.
Climbing the Ranks Among Legends
This move into the top 10 solidifies James Harden's place among the greatest scorers the sport has ever seen. Reaching the ninth position is a testament to his longevity, skill, and consistent offensive output over many seasons. The scoring list is a who's who of basketball immortality, and Harden has now etched his name firmly within that elite group.
Surpassing a figure as colossal as Shaquille O'Neal adds a special layer to the accomplishment. O'Neal was renowned for his overpowering interior scoring, while Harden has built his legacy with a combination of elite shot-making, playmaking, and drawing fouls. This juxtaposition highlights the different paths to scoring greatness in the NBA.
What This Means for Harden's Legacy
For James Harden, this is a career-defining milestone. While team championships remain the ultimate goal, individual recognition of this magnitude cements a player's historical impact. Moving into the top 10 all-time scorers is a rare feat that only a handful of players ever achieve.
The focus now will shift to who is next on the list for Harden to chase. Every point he scores from this moment forward will extend his lead over O'Neal and bring him closer to the next legend ahead of him. For basketball fans in the Philippines and around the world, witnessing this live was a glimpse of NBA history in the making.
As the 2025-2026 season continues, all eyes will be on Harden to see how much higher he can climb on the all-time scoring ladder. His journey is a powerful narrative of dedication and elite performance at the highest level of professional basketball.
